Daily Consumption of Splenda Linked to Leukemia, Study Finds

Watchdog group Center for Science in the Public Interest published a study linking daily sucralose consumption with leukemia

Yet another study has linked artificial sweeteners to unwanted and dangerous side effects. Watchdog nutrition group Center for Science in the Public Interest has published a study linking daily sucralose consumption with increased risk of leukemia.

Sucralose, more commonly known by its brand name Splenda, is considered a safe additive by the FDA, but this study published in the International Journal of Occupational and Environmental Health shows that consuming large quantities of the artificial sugar has serious health risks.

It should be noted that the mice in this experiment consumed the human equivalent of 10 diet sodas per day, which is astronomically more than the average Diet Coke habitand that these findings are the result of a singular study as opposed to scientific consensus. A majority of the Splenda-consuming mice in the experiment developed cancerous tumors, particular leukemia, by the end of their short lives, according to NBC News.

As a result of the study, CSPI urges everyone to stop consuming artificial sweeteners, and instead — when reaching for a diet soda or a regular soda — to opt for water instead.

Which sweeteners can we use? CSPI says the more natural, the better: Think raw honey or real maple syrup.

EDIT: Splenda has responded to the study, claiming that unlike the study's "outrageous" claims, sucralose has been deemed totally safe by the USDA. "The collective scientific evidence strongly supports that sucralose is safe and does not cause cancer. Sucralose has been extensively researched, with more than 110 studies conducted over a 20-year period. These studies include rigorous testing to specifically identify any potential for causing cancer. Worldwide regulatory authorities, including the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the European Food Safety Authority, Health Canada and the World Health Organization, have reviewed these studies and confirm that results show no link between sucralose and cancer....This latest study by the Ramazzini Institute is just one more example of the type of report that perpetuates misperceptions about low-calorie sweeteners. Extensive research strongly supports that sucralose is safe for everyone and does not cause cancer."